Peugeot 308 Oil Type – The Complete Guide to Protecting Your Engine

Choosing the correct oil for a Peugeot 308 is a little like choosing the right shoes for a long journey. The wrong pair might fit, but they’ll rub, cause discomfort, and eventually slow you down. Engine oil works the same way—pick the wrong type and your smooth French hatchback can turn into a grumpy, inefficient machine. Together, we’re going to walk through everything that matters about Peugeot 308 oil type: grades, specifications, engine variations, service intervals, and the small details most guides forget.

Why Oil Choice Matters More Than You Think

Oil is not just a slippery liquid sitting inside the engine. It’s a multitasking superhero. It lubricates moving parts, cools hot components, cleans microscopic debris, and even helps seal the combustion chamber. In modern Peugeot engines—especially the PureTech petrol and BlueHDi diesel units—the tolerances are tight and technology is sensitive.

Using the wrong oil can feel like feeding espresso to a goldfish: technically liquid, absolutely the wrong idea.

What Good Oil Does for a Peugeot 308

• Reduces internal friction
• Protects turbochargers
• Prevents carbon build-up
• Improves fuel economy
• Extends engine lifespan

Understanding Peugeot Oil Specifications

Peugeot doesn’t just recommend a thickness like 5W-30. The brand uses PSA (now Stellantis) standards that guarantee compatibility with emission systems and timing components.

The Most Common Standards

• PSA B71 2290 – Typical for many petrol and diesel engines
• PSA B71 2312 – Designed for BlueHDi diesels with DPF
• PSA B71 2297 – For modern PureTech petrol units

These codes are like secret passwords. If the bottle doesn’t carry one of them, we usually walk away.

Peugeot 308 Oil Type by Engine Generation

The 308 has lived several lives. Each generation and engine family has slightly different needs.

First Generation (2007–2013)

Older 1.6 VTi and HDi engines commonly prefer:

• 5W-30 fully synthetic
• PSA B71 2290 approval

Second Generation (2013–2021)

With the arrival of PureTech and BlueHDi:

• 0W-30 or 5W-30 depending on climate
• Stricter PSA B71 2297 / 2312 specs

Third Generation (2021–Present)

Hybrid and ultra-efficient units demand:

• Low-SAPS oils
• Often 0W-20 in some markets

Decoding Oil Grades Without Headaches

Those numbers like 5W-30 look mysterious, but they’re simpler than a coffee order.

What 5W-30 Really Means

• 5W – Flow at cold temperatures
• 30 – Thickness when hot

Think of winter honey versus summer honey. Same product, different behavior.

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Petrol Engines – PureTech Considerations

The 1.2 PureTech is brilliant but sensitive. Timing belts run in oil, which means the oil must be:

• Low in additives that damage rubber
• High in detergents
• Strictly PSA approved

Using random supermarket oil here is like washing silk with bleach.

Diesel Engines – BlueHDi and DPF Protection

Diesel 308 models have particulate filters. These hate high-ash oils.

Must-Have Features

• Low SAPS formula
• Strong oxidation stability
• Turbo protection

How Much Oil Does a Peugeot 308 Take?

Depending on the engine:

• 1.2 PureTech – around 3.25 to 3.5 liters
• 1.6 HDi – roughly 3.75 liters
• 2.0 BlueHDi – close to 5 liters

Always check the dipstick after filling. Engines are like people—some drink a little more.

Checking Oil Level the Right Way

We’ve all seen drivers checking oil like they’re stirring soup. Let’s do it properly.

1. Park on level ground
2. Wait 5 minutes after shutdown
3. Pull dipstick, wipe, reinsert
4. Read between MIN and MAX

Oil Change Intervals – Don’t Trust Myths

Peugeot may suggest long intervals, but real life is harsher.

Our Practical Advice

• Petrol: every 10,000–12,000 km
• Diesel: every 12,000–15,000 km
• Short trips? Reduce by 20%

Oil ages like milk, not like wine.

Best Oil Brands for Peugeot 308

We’re not sponsored, just honest.

• TotalEnergies Quartz
• Motul Specific
• Castrol Edge
• Mobil 1 ESP

The key is the approval, not the logo.

Mixing Oils – Can We Do It?

In emergencies, yes—but only:

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• Same viscosity
• Same standard
• Temporary solution

Mixing random oils is like blending perfumes: unpredictable results.

Symptoms of Wrong Oil in a 308

Your car talks; we just need to listen.

• Louder engine noise
• Sluggish turbo response
• Increased fuel use
• DPF warnings

Turbo and Oil – A Love Story

Turbos spin at insane speeds. Bad oil is their worst enemy.

Protect Your Turbo

• Let engine idle 30 seconds after hard drive
• Use fully synthetic oil
• Never exceed intervals

Seasonal Oil Choices

If you live where summers melt flip-flops or winters freeze eyelashes, viscosity matters.

• Cold climates: 0W-30
• Hot regions: 5W-30

DIY Oil Change Tips

We love getting hands dirty.

• Replace washer on sump plug
• Always change the filter
• Pre-fill filter if possible
• Reset service indicator

Environmental Considerations

Used oil is toxic. Treat it like a grumpy cat—handle with care.

• Recycle at authorized centers
• Avoid spills
• Choose low-SAPS oils

Closing Thoughts – Treat the 308 Like a Good Friend

The Peugeot 308 rewards care. Give it the right oil and it purrs like a satisfied lion. Ignore its needs and it sulks, drinks fuel, and complains through warning lights. We’ve learned that oil choice isn’t boring maintenance—it’s the heartbeat of reliability.

FAQs

1. Can I use 10W-40 in my Peugeot 308?

Generally no for modern engines. It lacks the PSA approvals and can harm PureTech belts and DPF systems.

2. Is 0W-30 better than 5W-30?

In cold climates, yes. It flows faster on startup and protects the turbo earlier.

3. What happens if I exceed oil change interval?

Oil degrades, sludge forms, and timing components can wear prematurely.

4. Do I need fully synthetic oil?

For most 308 engines, absolutely. Semi-synthetic is outdated for these tolerances.

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5. Can wrong oil cause engine failure?

Over time, yes—especially on PureTech and BlueHDi units.

If you want to know other articles similar to Peugeot 308 Oil Type – The Complete Guide to Protecting Your Engine you can visit the category Service and Parts.